The new minimum term is six months longer than the previous 18-month terms and affects both new customers and existing customers agreeing to a new contract.
But despite customers needing to commit for 24 months, it doesn’t mean the price is fixed for the same time period. Virgin Media ups tariff prices by £3.50 each April.
The longer contracts bring Virgin Media into line with other major broadband players such as BT, EE, Plusnet, Sky, and Vodafone.
A Virgin Media spokesperson said: “We’re constantly reviewing our products and services to ensure we’re giving customers the best possible experience with us. As part of this, we have introduced 24-month contracts for new customers, which provide longer-term certainty and greater value. A customer’s contract length is always clearly explained at the point of sale and detailed in their contractual information.”
Sabrina Hoque, Uswitch’s broadband expert, said: “From today, any new customer signing up to any Virgin Media broadband package will commit to a minimum contract length of 24 months.
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“This only affects new customers, so if you’re an existing Virgin Media customer, you won’t be affected by this change. But if you decide to renew your contract at any time from today, you will only have the option of a 24-month contract.
“If you don’t want to commit to Virgin Media for two years, which could mean a £3.50 mid-contract price rise each year, you should shop around for better deals. Providers typically let customers know when their contract is about to end, which is a great time to check out what alternative broadband deals are available.
“It’s also worth considering smaller alternative network providers such as YouFibre, who have no in-contract price rises as well as attractive price points.”
